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Cubs, outfielder Schierholtz agree to terms

Cubs, outfielder Schierholtz agree to terms

8/1/12: Nate Schierholtz collects two hits, including a homer, in his debut with the Phillies

By Carrie Muskat
/
MLB.com |

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Cubs have reportedly added an extra outfielder, signing Nate Schierholtz to a one-year, $2.25 million contract, pending his passing a physical.

The Cubs would not confirm or comment on the deal. General manager Jed Hoyer did say Thursday that the team was still in the market for another outfielder.

A left-handed-hitting outfielder who could play right field was high on the Cubs' wish list. Schierholtz, 28, batted .257 for the Giants and Phillies with six home runs in 114 games last season. He began the year with San Francisco and was dealt to Philadelphia on July 31 along with two Minor League players for Hunter Pence. He made a good impression in his Phillies debut, hitting a home run against the Nationals. His playing time was limited when he fractured his right big toe on Aug. 13.

In six seasons, he has a .270 batting average, 24 home runs, 75 doubles and 123 RBIs. The Phillies decided to non-tender Schierholtz, who made $1.3 million last season. He would've received a raise, which wouldn't have made sense for the Phillies because Schierholtz was projected as the fifth outfielder.

His addition would allow the Cubs to start David DeJesus in center. Schierholtz has one of the best throwing arms in the league.

A Bay Area native, Schierholtz was known as "Nate the Great" while with the Giants. He didn't want to leave San Francisco but welcomed the deal to the Phillies and the chance for more at-bats.

"I was just looking for an opportunity to prove that I can play every day, and I didn't get the feeling I was going to get it in San Francisco all these years," Schierholtz said.